Hey Sean, Thanks! You guys give me inspiration for this new adventure. It feels like I have this whole bunch of new friends. Pretty cool! Thanks for all of your insight on furlers, sails and trailers. I definitely want to chat more with you re the trailer. I was wondering about extending the front tube (making it adjustable) where the hand winch is to support the front of the mast. And maybe then you could add steps? And a motor mount bracket? I am waiting to get my new motor. Should be here end of the week. This will allow me to motor across the bay and get my rigging replaced by a guy in Berkley. Thanks again for all the support! Todd -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Nebwest2@aol.com Sent: Friday, April 05, 2013 8:28 PM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: M_Boats: M-23 Hi Todd, Congratulations on acquiring CeeCee! Sorry I did not respond a little sooner...things have been a little haywire for 'Jo and me lately. I have a Harry Pattison main on my boat and could not be happier with it. They are not cheap sails but I like that fact that all Elliot Pattison's stuff is made right here in the US in their own loft...not overseas. Makes a big difference if you need service. Harry is gentleman through and through and knows his craft like no other. He will work with you to personally design all the aspects you want in your sails, into them and help you make the decisions. I am not a furler guy....but many are. It's just personaI preference and convenience vs performance. I removed the furler that was on Dauntless when I got her and never looked back...well, that's not exactly true. When it's windy and I am running a blade, working jib, or storm jib ...I do look back, occasionally, to see how the guys with the furlers are doing. ;-) However...when the wind slackens....they are looking back at me as I hank on another genoa or jib, while they just unfurled more canvass. ;-) With respect to trailers....I have a Pacific that I purchased new probably 8 years ago. It is galvanized and has not a spot of rust on it other than a slight surface rust on the springs. I go to the salt multiple times every year and it is dunked ( always washed afterwards). I would definitely purchase it again with a few minor changes that would be easy to make. If you get to that point let me know and I will tell you the specifics. You've got yourself a great boat. Often on these older boats the list of things to do is long and almost overwhelming. Rest assured that with this boat it'll be worth the effort. I can speak from experience having sailed the 23 in all sorts of conditions....she's not a perfect boat....but damn close. I don't believe that the perfect boat probably exists. When Lyle Hess drew boats I have heard it said that his first concern was to get you out and home safely. My experience with the M23 is that we are comfortable when others are heading for the barn....and when we finally do throw in the towel, it's usually because of the crew, not the boat. Again, congrats! and if there is anything I can assist with please don't hesitate to ask. I know the other M23 owners on here as well are also all very knowledgeable about the design and willing to help. They helped me immensely get through our rebuild. Sean M23 Dauntless